Background: Traditional full-face resurfacing has been limited to erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Er:YAG) and carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers. These devices offer wavelength-specific advantages and disadvantages.
Methods: Nine patients were enrolled in a pilot study of a resurfacing system using a 2790-nm erbium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er:YSGG) laser system. Two treatments were carried out 1 month apart over the entire face. Test spots were performed prior to the full-face sessions to determine the optimal fluence for 1-pass laser resurfacing. Biopsies were performed at the time of treatment and at the final follow-up visit one month after the second treatment. Clinical endpoints included changes in pigment dyschromias, wrinkles, and skin tone. All outcomes were graded by blinded observers.
Results: Eight patients completed the 2 treatments. Biopsies showed thermal damage extending as deep as 80 microm below the stratum corneum. Reepithelialization was complete within 4 days. No scarring, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), or infections were observed.
Conclusion: A 2790-nm laser can be used for skin rejuvenation with a 4 day recovery window.